HOUSTON, Sept. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Renowned pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Howard Epps has been appointed as academic medical director of orthopedics at Texas Children's Hospital. Additionally, Epps will serve as associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. He began his new roles at both institutions on Sept 1. For more information about pediatric orthopedic surgery visit texaschildrens.org

A renowned leader in the field of pediatric orthopedics, Epps hails from Fondren Orthopedic Group L.L.P where he served as a partner for more than 16 years, distinguishing himself in a variety of research, clinical and academic roles. His clinical interests include limb deformity and reconstruction, fractures, clubfoot, musculoskeletal infection and cerebral palsy, which led him to author more than 35 book chapters and publications in various academic and medical journals. He currently serves as the chairman of the research and education committee for Texas Orthopedic Association, and recently served as president of Houston Orthopaedic Society.

"His record of accomplishments reflects his vast experience in treating pediatric patients and is a testament to how highly respected he is as an orthopedic surgeon," said Dr. William Phillips, chief of orthopedics at Texas Children's Hospital. "He brings clinical brilliance and exceptional leadership skills to Texas Children's already renowned surgery and orthopedic teams."

"Dr. Epps is a skilled surgeon, researcher and academician that brings more than two decades of experience to his role as our new academic medical director of orthopedics," said Dr. Charles D. Fraser, surgeon-in-chief at Texas Children's Hospital. "With his surgical expertise, as well as his accomplishments in the field of pediatric orthopedics, he will be an invaluable addition to our hospital leadership team."

Board-certified in orthopedic surgery, Epps received an undergraduate degree from Harvard College and earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. After completing his orthopedic surgery residency program at Harvard, he pursued his fellowship in Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada.

Epps is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Academy of Pediatrics, and recently served as chairman of the Healthcare Delivery Council for Pediatric Society of North America.

About Texas Children's HospitalTexas Children's Hospital, a not-for-profit organization, is committed to creating a community of healthy children through excellence in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked among the top children's hospitals in the nation, Texas Children's has recognized Centers of Excellence in multiple pediatric subspecialties including the Cancer and Heart Centers, and operates the largest primary pediatric care network in the country. Texas Children's has completed a $1.5 billion expansion, which includes the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute; Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; and Texas Children's Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston. For more information on Texas Children's, go to www.texaschildrens.org. Get the latest news from Texas Children's by visiting the online newsroom and on Twitter at twitter.com/texaschildrens.